The Best Chain Grocery Store Meat Departments in Minnesota Right Now
Meat prices have gone way up, and it’s made me a lot pickier about where my family goes to get it. When we can, I prefer to buy a quarter, half, or whole cow from a local Minnesota farmer and have it processed by a local butcher. The quality is fantastic, the price per pound is way more reasonable in the long run, and it feels good to support people in our own communities.
But that’s not always an option due to limited freezer space, timing, and what's available. So if I’m going to be spending more on grocery store steaks, I want the meat to be high quality.
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I came across a list from Chowhound that ranks grocery store chains based on the quality of their meat departments. Several of them have locations across Minnesota, and the comparisons were actually pretty interesting. Some chains with a reputation for low prices are stepping up their quality game, while others known for premium cuts might not be as perfect as we think.
Of course, there are plenty of smaller, local grocery stores and butcher shops across Minnesota that offer excellent meat, too, but this list focuses on the larger chains you’re most likely to find statewide.
That said, here’s a look at the big chain grocery stores in Minnesota with the best meat departments, plus a few notes from my own experience with them.
Costco: Bulk Meat with Big Reputation
We all know Costco for its iconic $4.99 rotisserie chickens and those massive family-sized packs of steaks, but did you know Julia Child was a fan of their meat department?
According to Chowhound, Costco is “a favorite of professional butchers” and offers everything from basic ground beef to extravagant A5 Wagyu and imported Spanish ham carving sets.
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I like going to Costco for steaks because they always have a decent selection of prime cuts that you don't always find at these other stores. The price per pound might not always be a deal per se, but you’re paying for good quality...and a lot of it. That works great if you’ve got a chest freezer in the garage or a big family to feed.
Just know going in “even smaller portions… carry a high price tag,” Chowhound notes. But if you want quality AND quantity, Costco is where it’s at.
Sam’s Club and Walmart: Underrated and Surprisingly Impressive
Now, this one might surprise you. Sam’s Club and even Walmart earned some nice praise for their meat departments.
Despite the jokes and assumptions about bargain-bin quality, Chowhound says Sam’s Club has “some surprisingly glowing reviews online,” especially for its private brand, Member’s Mark.
READ MORE: Starting This Month, You’ll Pay More To Shop At Minnesota Walmarts
And over at Walmart, the word is that their cowboy and tomahawk steaks are pretty good. According to Chowhound, one commenter even said Walmart’s “choice-grade beef” often ends up being the higher-quality “choice+” grade.
Walmart is definitely not the first place I would expect to find a good ribeye, but I guess it might be worth another look.
Whole Foods: Premium Prices, Premium Meat
For Twin Cities shoppers who don’t mind paying more for sustainability and traceability, Whole Foods is still a top-tier option. They’ve maintained their reputation for antibiotic-free meat and now offer in-store butcher training programs.
Still, Chowhound points out the obvious downside: the price. “Whole Foods often [has] among the most expensive options around,” they note. But many customers say the quality still justifies the cost, especially if you care about where your meat comes from.
Aldi: The Underdog (with Some Caveats)
Aldi, Minnesota’s beloved budget grocer, gets mixed reviews, and not just from online commenters.
According to Chowhound, Aldi gets high marks for its beef, especially when it’s marked down close to the sell-by date. “Lots of customers take advantage of this,” the article says, “which means it can be difficult to score those coveted half-off items.”
READ MORE: 9 Things Smart Minnesota Shoppers Know About Saving at Aldi
The chicken, however, is another story. A condition called “woody breast,” which makes the meat tough and pale, has some people steering clear. It’s not Aldi’s fault; it’s an industry-wide problem. But it’s worth noting if you’re picky about poultry. Organic is usually your safest bet.
On a fishy note, I recently found Aldi’s Atlantic salmon side (with the skin still on) to be far superior in flavor compared to Costco’s skinless version. If the skin isn't your thing, it peels right off after cooking, and you still get all the flavor.
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